Advocacy in Integrated Healthcare Award: Recognizing an elected or appointed legislator or regulator from any level of government who has made significant impact on the integration or advancement of EMS.

The Crawfordsville Fire Department would like to recognize Senator Karen Tallian (D4) as this year’s EMS External Award for her exemplary efforts in authoring SB 498 (Community Paramedicine reimbursement). Sen. Tallian is an accomplished public servant from Northwest Indiana, who has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Statehouse for our public safety professionals.

Senate Bill 498 elevates EMS professionals to a provider status with Medicaid, and professionalizes EMS by allowing Community Paramedicine to be financially self-sustainable through reimbursement for services rendered. Actions taken in this bill removes EMS from the stigma of ambulance drivers and transportation agencies, allowing our industry of clinicians to provide patient-centered preventative care.

Sen. Tallian demonstrated great vision and leadership assuring the support needed for the passage of this bill by immediately reaching out to the subject matter experts at local fire departments currently engaged in providing Community Paramedicine for direction. Additionally the Professional Fire Fighters Union of Indiana (PFFUI), and the Indiana State EMS Association was engaged by Sen. Tallian later assisting with bi-partisan support from both legislative houses which resulted in a 47-0 & 97-0 passage of SB 498.

Senate Bill 498 elevates EMS professionals to a provider status with Medicaid, and professionalizes EMS by allowing Community Paramedicine to be financially self-sustainable through reimbursement for services rendered. Actions taken in this bill removes EMS from the stigma of ambulance drivers and transportation agencies, allowing our industry of clinicians to provide patient centered preventative care.